By Boat

Public Boat Dock

Old Sacramento

The Old Sacramento Public Docks are owned and operated by the City of Sacramento and provide a place for the boating public to stop for a meal or a visit to Old Sacramento. Conveniently located on the Old Sacramento waterfront, the Public Docks provides easy access for temporary boaters as well as overnight boating guests.

The Old Sacramento Public Docks offer nearly 1,000’ of side-tie dock space. The riverside of the dock provides 489’ of useable dock space and can accommodate any length vessel. The landside of the dock generally has at least 8’ of draft and can accommodate vessels up to 35’ in length that are no taller than 10’ from the waterline since boats entering must pass under a walkway to get on the inside. The usable footage on the inside is approximately 400’.

The docks have power pedestals that provide potable water along with 30 and 50 amp twist lock power plugs. Security cameras are placed to record dock activity year round.

Rates: Day Use – Free day use is available. Free day use is defined as any length of stay between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. There is a $15.00 charge for the use of power at the dock between 6 a.m and 9 p.m.
Overnight or extended use – is defined as any length of stay between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. A fee of $1.50 per foot per night ($20.00 minimum) is charged for overnight stay. Shore power for overnight stay or extended use is $15.00.

Reservations: Reservations are accepted during the months of April through September when the dock attendant is on duty. To make a reservation, call the dock attendant at (916) 264-8857. Dock staff hours vary, so leave a message if someone does not answer immediately or call the main office at (916) 808-7031 for information. Reservations are accepted three weeks prior to the designated arrival date. There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $20.00 per vessel. Groups of ten (10) or more boats may reserve six weeks in advance. Maximum number of nights anyone can stay is four (4) nights during any fourteen (14) day period. For those that desire to visit past the four (4) day maximum, please make arrangements in advance at the number above. Reservations are not available for day use.

Off-season (during the winter months)

During the winter months the dock is still usable but the 72’ section that passes under the Tower Bridge must be removed in case of high water (leaving approx. 270 feet of dock). That section is removed mid-November and replaced mid-April every year.

When there is no dock attendant on duty, dock use is on a first-come, first-served basis using the self-pay system. Overnight fees must be paid at the self-pay station on the ramp near the dock attendant booth. Remove an envelope from the mailbox and follow the instructions on the flap. Shore power is unavailable during the off-season except for special events. Reservations are not accepted during the off-season as dock staff is not available to assist you.

Special Events & Holidays

To ensure fairness during special events and holidays, dock use will be determined by a lottery for the major events listed below. You must call in advance to place your name in the drawing. The drawing will be held 45 days prior to each listed event/holiday. Full payment by credit card is due at the time of reservation.

Memorial Day Weekend (Sacramento Musical Festival/Jazz Festival)

Fourth of July

Labor Day Weekend (Gold Rush Days)

New Year’s Eve

Location: The public docks are located on the Sacramento River near the Tower Bridge at Capital Mall directly behind the Delta King and Hornblower and can be accessed from the street at Front and L Street in Old Sacramento or the Promenade next to the Embassy Suites Hotel at Front and Capital Mall.

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Get Here

By Car: Take I-5 to Downtown and exit at J St.By Bike:Accessible to miles of scenic trails.By Train: Just a block walk from the Amtrak station.By Bus: RT, Yolo and Placer bus lines all have stops within two blocks.By Boat: Use the public docks on the Old Sacramento waterfront.

Hours of Operation

Old Sacramento is a historic eight-block section of Downtown. Each of our over 100 businesses are independently operated with separate hours of operation. Generally shops open around 10 a.m. and are open until the early evenings. Most restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, and many for after hours entertainment. Check individual businesses for details.